The Colorado Avalanche will begin the Western Conference Final without Norris Trophy finalist Cale Makar, head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Wednesday. Makar is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury sustained during the second-round series against the Minnesota Wild and will sit out Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Makar, one of the NHL’s premier defensemen, skated briefly on his own Wednesday morning but will not be available for the opener at Ball Arena. He has played through the injury in recent games, including Game 5 against the Wild, where he returned after a collision to help the Avalanche advance in overtime.
Jack Ahcan will step into Makar’s role in the lineup. The Avalanche’s rest of the roster is healthy, including forward Artturi Lehkonen. With Makar sidelined, the team’s offensive strategy and defensive structure will be significantly impacted.
An analyst recently noted, “If you don’t have Cale Makar at 100%, it completely changes how Colorado attacks… If he’s healthy, I don’t see a six or seven-game series.”
Makar, 26, is a top-tier offensive threat from the back end. His elite skating ability and transition game are key components of the Avalanche’s success. His absence will increase the workload on veterans like Devon Toews and Brent Burns, testing the depth of Colorado’s blue line.
The Avalanche, who finished first in the NHL standings with 136 points, will rely on their depth and home-ice advantage as they chase a Stanley Cup rematch. Game 1 is set for Wednesday night.
Makar’s status for Game 2 remains uncertain. The Avalanche will monitor his progress closely.
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